On September 3rd, 2007, a man by the name of Carlucci aka ELF passed from this earth.
He was a visual and verbal fixture in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. I often saw him on my morning walks to get breakfast or lunch. I first met Elf about 8 years ago when Alife was art directing Mass Appeal magazine and we were doing a feature together. His raw imagination and artistic integrity immediately captured me. We fell out of touch as I worked my ass off like any good chinaman should….and he, most probably continued to create infinitely.
When I moved Staple, Reed Space and myself into the LES, we reconnected…often at impromptu moments. We would often get caught up in long conversations about art, commerce, the neighborhood, the changing of the times, etc. I am always caught off guard when such talented artists can somehow find a way to relate to me. I always think, “You’re so freakin talented! It’s so dope that you are even having this conversation with me!” He wanted to hold an exhibition at Reed Space and I was always ready to do it but the timing was always an issue. This happens a lot in New York. People are like ships passing in the sea. Sometimes you come close enough to have a conversation. Sometimes you stop and actually collaborate on something. And sometimes you don’t. You assume there will be a next time…and you say to yourself, “When the time is right, it’ll happen”. But then you take life for granted…because sometimes there simply is no next time. You can google him and read all about his talents, visions and accolades. But to me, Elf was just a damn good man.
(Photo of Carlucci from recent Yonehara exhibition at Reed Space. (11/30/06)
Great post…powerful words. Reminded me of Steve Jobs’ commencement speech to the Stanford Class of ’05. These are words I should read everyone morning when I wake up.
My deepest condolences go out to you and the friends and family of Carlucci.
Thanks for posting this.
Great post Jeff. Carlucci truly was gifted. If you ever do some kind of a retrospective on Carlucci’s worker, let us know.
Carlucci was a down to earth visionary; a living example of “good people” in every sence of the word. Everything he did, everything he said, reached out and enriched the lives of those around him.
One less candle brightens the world, but his memory lives on in the people he touched and we could continue to make the world a better place by following his example.
I will always think of him as “the friend.” The most unique person I’ve ever met.